Welcome to the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club

Local viewing conditions (Click for a detailed view)

The AVAC is going to have a night on the Mt. Wilson 60” telescope. You can sign up at a club meeting. This is open to AVAC members only. If you have been confirmed by Rose that you are on the list, click here for payment information.

The Antelope Valley Astronomy Club, Inc. (AVAC) was founded in 1982, and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1999, to bring the beauty of the night sky to the families of the Antelope Valley.

The AVAC provides programs for schools and other organizations on request. We have put on presentations at local schools, state parks, and anywhere the sky is dark, we also do daytime events.

The AVAC is located in the Antelope Valley, which is located in north-eastern Los Angeles County. Our members come from all over the valley, and as far away as Pasadena, they range in experience from beginner to advanced.

The AVAC offers a friendly, learning environment. It is a member of the Astronomical League and offers their quarterly newsletter, discounts, and observing programs at no additional cost to members.

Dues are prorated each month for a new membership, on the basis of a Single membership costing $25 per year, a Family Membership at $30 per year, and a Junior membership at $15 per year. To apply, fill out an online application and either print and mail in application, or pay via PayPal.

Monthly Meetings

The AVAC holds monthly meetings the second Friday of every month, except in December, at the S.A.G.E. Planetarium, 38060 20th Street East (located on the Northeast corner of East Avenue R and 20th East), in Palmdale CA, at 7:00 PM. The meetings include a monthly program about the fascinating night sky, as well as giving members and guests a chance to get together to talk about the stars or other topics of interest.

The Desert Sky Observer, the monthly club newsletter, features the latest news and information about club activities. It contains a diagram of the lunar phases for the upcoming month and articles covering the latest discoveries from the world of astronomy!

Shirts and caps with the AVAC logo are now available from B's Stitchery and Design. For available styles, colors, prices and ordering information, please visit our clothing page.

Resources Available to Members Telescopes: 10 inch, 8 inch, and 6 inch Dobsonians, and various Accessories. Short Classes: Starting Out in Amateur Astronomy, How To Use a Telescope.

The AVAC is a member of the Astronomical League and sponsors several observing groups including, but not limited to, The Messier Group (Telescope and Binocular), The Universe Sampler Group, The Planetary Observers Group, and The Lunar Observers Group. Several of our members have received their Regular Certificate, having observer at least 70 items, and a few have received their Honorary Certificate by completing the entire list of 110. Take a look at the list and watch it grow, maybe we'll see your name there soon.

Once a year we present the Keith Lawson Award, named after one of the founding members and first President of the club, to one of our members. The award is in recognition of outstanding contribution to the AVAC and the world of Amateur Astronomy. We also present the Holland Fountain Award, "to recognize the AVAC Member who best demonstrates amateur astronomical enthusiasm." This enthusiasm can be expressed through their community outreach activities, organization or participation in club events, motivational writing, or development of club programs that inspire others to participate in amateur astronomy. If you know a club member that you think deserves the award, please submit a nomination.

Save

Save

Announcements

Details

Last Updated: 16 May 2019

The Prime Desert Moon Walk is scheduled for Saturday May 18th at 8:30pm. There will be telescopes to view the night sky before and after the walk. Free and open to the public. Weather permitting.

The Antelope Valley Astronomy Club will be having a public event at Red Rock Canyon State Park on Friday night and Saturday, May 24th and May 25th. We will have telescopes to view the night sky both Friday and Saturday, and solar scopes to view the Sun during the day on Saturday. There will be a presentation at the open amphitheater on Saturday evening prior to observing. This event is free and open to the public, weather permitting.

On Saturday evening June 1st, the AVAC will have telescopes for viewing at Chuchupate/Lockwood Valley, near Frazier Park. We will be set up on the parking lot at the Frazier Mountain Trailhead. Jeremy Amarant of the SAGE Planetarium will be giving an astronomy talk on the night sky at this event. Check our calendar for this event to get to the directions!